Are there tips I can use for my TOEFL Reading section?
Improve TOEFL Reading by learning the question types, reading academic texts regularly, scanning passages for the main idea, reading all answer options carefully, building vocabulary, and practising inferences and paraphrasing. Track your pace, and check the official TOEFL page for the current format.
The best TOEFL Reading preparation combines regular academic reading, a clear passage strategy and steady vocabulary building. According to ETS, improving your vocabulary is a strong way to prepare for this section.
Key Reading Strategies
| Tip | How to apply it |
|---|---|
| Know question types | Understand the types of questions in the Reading section |
| Read academic material | Read textbooks and journals across sciences, social sciences, arts and business |
| Scan, then read | Scan for the main idea, then read again carefully and note important facts |
| Check all options | Read all four options even if the first seems suitable |
| Build vocabulary | Guess unfamiliar words from context, then look them up |
More Skills to Practise
- Underline pronouns and identify the nouns they refer to.
- Practise making inferences and drawing conclusions.
- Identify the passage type, such as cause and effect or compare and contrast.
- Outline the passage and summarise it orally or in writing.
- Paraphrase sentences, then whole paragraphs.
- Watch your pace, since around 20 minutes per passage was suggested, but timing may vary with the current format.
My Advice
Pick three of these habits and practise them daily rather than trying all at once. Because the test format and timings can change, confirm them on the official TOEFL page.
Planning to study abroad?
Get a personalised university shortlist with courses, costs and career outcomes.
More TOEFL questions
- How many listening questions will I face on the TOEFL iBT, and how much time do I get for them?
- What do I need to get into a master's in luxury management abroad, and what IELTS or TOEFL score is expected?
- What is the TOEFL iBT, and how long will my TOEFL score stay valid?
- How can I manage the English language requirement for studying in Canada or abroad?
- Is TOEFL a good English test option for my application?
- What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for an MSW in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand?
- Is my TOEFL score from six months ago still valid for admission?
- How much do IELTS Academic and TOEFL cost in India, and how long are the scores valid for?